There is nothing quite like the festive joy and refreshing taste of a Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe to brighten up your holiday season or any special occasion. These soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed candy canes combine classic comfort with a delightful peppermint twist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, this recipe offers the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and cool minty flavor that’s sure to become a beloved treat in your cookie collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven round cookies are placed on a gold cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a base layer of light golden brown cookie, topped with a smooth thick layer of white cream frosting. On top of the frosting, there is a scatter of crushed red and white candy pieces, adding a textured, colorful contrast to the creamy surface. The scene is brightly lit, highlighting the smoothness of the frosting and the vibrant red candy pieces photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step to making these irresistible Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe come to life. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating the perfect soft cookie and smooth, flavorful frosting.

Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and tenderness to the cookie dough while controlling salt levels.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with their slight crisp edge.
Large Egg and Large Egg Yolk: Provide structure and moisture, keeping cookies soft and chewy.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
Flour: The foundation of the cookies, ensuring perfect texture and a tender crumb.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both leavening agents work together to create a light, airy cookie.
Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the cookie’s flavors.
Butter (softened) for frosting: Makes the frosting creamy and smooth.
Cream Cheese (softened): Gives the frosting a tangy richness and velvety texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Peppermint Extract: Delivers the signature minty flavor that defines this recipe.
Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Bark Crunch: Adds festive crunch and visual appeal on top.

How to Make Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. This process takes about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which is key for that tender crumb everyone loves. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to keep everything even.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in your large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract for about 1 minute. These ingredients bring moisture and richness, helping your cookies stay soft while layering in lovely vanilla flavor.

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important not to overmix here, as that can develop the gluten too much and make your cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap your cookie dough tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial because it makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll your dough into balls and place them on the tray. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Peppermint Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then mix in powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Taste as you go, adding more peppermint extract if you like a stronger mint flavor.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread a generous layer of the peppermint frosting over each cooled cookie. Finish by sprinkling crushed candy canes or peppermint bark chips for a festive and crunchy touch.

How to Serve Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows several cookies arranged close together on a white marbled surface. The main focus is on two round cookies with three visible layers: a soft light brown base, a thick creamy white frosting layer on top, and a generous layer of chopped red and white peppermint candy sprinkled over the frosting. Near the peppermint cookies, there are other cookies with different toppings, including one with white frosting and tiny red and green round sprinkles, a chocolate cookie with a round peanut butter piece in the center, and a cookie topped with a bright yellow glaze. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the vibrant details and textures of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The crushed candy canes or peppermint bark on top are more than just decoration – they add delightful texture and an extra burst of peppermint flavor that perfectly complements the creamy frosting and buttery cookies. For a classy touch, consider adding a light dusting of edible glitter or drizzle a little white chocolate on top.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair amazingly with hot beverages like cocoa, peppermint tea, or a classic eggnog. Their light, soft texture and refreshing mint flavor balance well with warm, comforting drinks, making this a perfect treat for gatherings or cozy winter nights.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe on a festive holiday platter with colorful napkins or wrap them individually in cellophane tied with red and white ribbons. You could also stack them in mason jars as charming edible gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. You can also layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate frosting.

Freezing

Want to prepare the cookies in advance? Freeze the baked and cooled cookies without frosting by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw completely before frosting to keep that classic creamy texture.

Reheating

If the cookies become too cold or firm, gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. This little trick helps soften both the cookie and frosting, reviving that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?

Absolutely! While peppermint is the star here, you can swap it for vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile, but keep in mind you’ll lose the signature minty freshness that makes this recipe special.

How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is key. This firms up the butter and prevents the cookies from flattening too much in the oven, ensuring perfect shape and thickness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Look for one that’s meant for baking to maintain the right texture, and expect a slightly different bite than traditional flour.

How long do the cookies stay fresh with frosting?

When frosted, the cookies remain moist and delicious for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Beyond that, the frosting might start to lose its ideal texture.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for toppings?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Aim for a mix of small pieces and fine powder for the best texture and appearance on your cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to create a crowd-pleasing treat that captures the essence of the holidays, this Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe is the perfect choice. The combination of soft sugar cookies with creamy, minty frosting and festive crunch is irresistible and sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, have fun baking, and share the joy one delicious cookie at a time!